Bombshell (2019)
Story overview
Bombshell is a 2019 drama based on real events, depicting the workplace culture at Fox News and the women who exposed sexual harassment by its powerful chairman. The film follows three women—Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson, and a fictional composite character—as they navigate a toxic corporate environment, face professional retaliation, and ultimately come forward with allegations that lead to significant consequences. It explores themes of power dynamics, gender inequality, institutional complicity, and personal courage in the #MeToo era.
Parent Guide
A mature drama about real-life sexual harassment allegations at Fox News, with strong language and intense themes. Best for older teens with parental guidance.
Content breakdown
No physical violence, but includes tense confrontations, threats of professional ruin, and emotional peril as characters face retaliation for speaking out.
Disturbing themes of sexual harassment, power abuse, and institutional betrayal. Scenes depict uncomfortable workplace interactions, emotional distress, and the psychological impact on victims. Not graphically violent but emotionally intense.
Frequent strong language including f-words, s-words, and other profanity. Used in workplace tension and emotional moments.
Themes of sexual harassment and misconduct, including verbal advances, inappropriate comments, and implied pressure. No nudity or explicit sexual scenes, but discussions of assault and uncomfortable interactions.
Social drinking in office settings (wine, cocktails). No depiction of intoxication or drug use.
High emotional intensity from characters facing harassment, betrayal, fear of retaliation, and moral dilemmas. Scenes of crying, anxiety, and tense confrontations. Focuses on psychological impact rather than physical danger.
Parent tips
This film is rated R for strong language, sexual harassment themes, and mature content. It's best suited for mature teens (16+) who can handle discussions of workplace misconduct and power abuse. Parents should note: the film includes frequent strong language, depictions of sexual harassment (though not graphic), emotional intensity from characters facing retaliation, and themes of institutional betrayal. It can serve as a valuable conversation starter about consent, workplace ethics, and speaking up against injustice, but requires guidance due to its adult themes.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
—
—
—
- What did you think about how the women supported each other?
- Why do you think some people didn't believe the women at first?
- How can workplaces prevent harassment like this?
- What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly at work or school?
🎭 Story Kernel
Bombshell isn't about a single explosive revelation but the slow, suffocating accumulation of normalized misconduct. The film explores how power isn't just wielded in dramatic confrontations but embedded in office layouts, casual conversations, and career advancement. The real conflict isn't between 'good' and 'bad' women but within each character navigating a system that rewards complicity. Gretchen Carlson's lawsuit is the catalyst, but the movie's heart lies in Kayla's disillusionment—the young producer who learns that proximity to power doesn't grant protection, only different forms of compromise. It's a story about the cost of speaking up versus the cost of staying silent, where both choices leave scars.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film's visual language mirrors the corporate sterility of Fox News. Director Jay Roach uses tight, claustrophobic framing in offices and elevators to emphasize the lack of personal space—both physical and psychological. The color palette is dominated by cool blues, grays, and beiges, reflecting the emotional detachment required to survive in that environment. Notably, the cinematography often places Roger Ailes as a looming presence in the background of shots, visually reinforcing his omnipresent control. The few warm tones appear in private moments of vulnerability, like Megyn Kelly's kitchen, highlighting the contrast between public persona and private self.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
To achieve authentic performances, the cast studied hours of archival footage of their real-life counterparts. Charlize Theron underwent extensive prosthetic work to resemble Megyn Kelly, spending over two hours daily in makeup. Nicole Kidman met privately with Gretchen Carlson to understand her emotional journey. The film faced legal scrutiny, requiring careful scripting to avoid defamation claims while telling the truth. Many scenes were shot in actual office buildings to capture the impersonal corporate atmosphere, with the production team meticulously recreating Fox News' distinctive studio lighting and set designs.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Netflix
- Netflix Standard with Ads
- Amazon Prime Video
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
- Spectrum On Demand
Trailer
Trailer playback is unavailable in your region.
